Macron acknowledges Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries are affecting European fuel prices

French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries are affecting the fuel situation in Europe, according to a report by TASS.

Macron said he would not call on Ukraine to stop the strikes simply because they are among the factors contributing to rising prices in Europe.

Fuel prices under pressure

Ukraine has carried out a series of strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as part of a campaign against facilities it says support Moscow's war effort.

Such strikes have periodically disrupted refining capacity inside Russia, with knock-on effects on regional and, at times, international fuel and energy markets, though the extent of the impact on European prices specifically was not detailed further in the available report.

Macron's remarks reflect the balancing act facing Western leaders who continue to back Ukraine militarily and diplomatically while managing the economic side effects of the war, including energy costs for European consumers.

Neither the French presidency nor Ukrainian officials issued a separate statement elaborating on the comments as of this report.